Penguin Feathers
How do penguins swim with feathers?
A penguin has a layer of blubber, or fat, and a layer of feathers to keep warm.
The feather layer has two parts, a downy part, closest to the body, and the stiff feathers that are seen.
The downy feathers help keep the cold air out and in warm weather helps keep the penguins cool. When the penguin in hot it will fluff up the feathers to let air under.
The outer feathers are packed closely together to help keep the wind and water out. Penguins have more feathers per square inch, approximately 70-100, than any other bird. They have a natural oil that they will rub on their skin and feathers to help keep it wind and waterproof, known as preening.
The oil comes from the base of the tail, and it typically looks like they are scratching with their beaks when they are preening.
A penguin has a layer of blubber, or fat, and a layer of feathers to keep warm.
The feather layer has two parts, a downy part, closest to the body, and the stiff feathers that are seen.
The downy feathers help keep the cold air out and in warm weather helps keep the penguins cool. When the penguin in hot it will fluff up the feathers to let air under.
The outer feathers are packed closely together to help keep the wind and water out. Penguins have more feathers per square inch, approximately 70-100, than any other bird. They have a natural oil that they will rub on their skin and feathers to help keep it wind and waterproof, known as preening.
The oil comes from the base of the tail, and it typically looks like they are scratching with their beaks when they are preening.
Fun Fact!
Because of the flipper like wings and habitats, penguins spend about half of their time in water!